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Mission & Goals

Young Harris College is a private, residential, liberal arts institution located in the southern Appalachian region. The College is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and students from all backgrounds are welcome.

Mission Statement

In a world of continual change, Young Harris College educates students in the liberal arts and professional programs, serves both the region and the world and empowers its graduates to create and define service, successes, and meaning throughout their lives.

Slogan

"Educate, Inspire, Empower"

Goals

Young Harris College will:

Educate students through a comprehensive liberal arts experience

Challenge students through innovative academic, cultural, athletic and spiritual programs

Recruit and retain excellent students, faculty and staff

Empower students, faculty and staff to reach their full potential

Significantly increase the College’s financial resources and facilities to support growth and development

Contribute to the quality of life of our local community

Young Harris College Values

Truth

Truth and its unfettered pursuit through intellectual inquiry

Integrity in all aspects of academic, professional and personal life

The Liberal Arts

Open-minded and inquisitive learners

The liberal arts model of higher education and its role in transforming students

Innovation

Open to new methods and ideas

Open to using a variety of learning platforms to deliver educational programs

Heritage

Its historic affiliation with the United Methodist Church and the Wesleyan tradition of higher education, which seeks to develop both a trained mind and a warm heart

Academic freedom, affirmation of the dignity and worth of all persons, moral integrity and support for the spiritual journeys of the members of our college community

Community

The relationships engendered through a small and diverse campus community

The support provided by our faculty, staff, trustees, alumni and friends

The natural world and the cultural traditions and rich history of the southern Appalachian region

Citizenship

Our personal and collective responsibilities as citizens in service to society

The role of leadership dedicated to creating a sustainable, just and caring society

Our role of assisting our region in reaching its economic and societal objectives that reflect the values of the College

Vision Statement

Young Harris will be known for:

Offering liberal arts and professional programs using a variety of learning platforms, as well as student-life experiences that empower students to enter life after their collegiate experience educated and prepared to succeed

Developing and offering programs that will assist the region’s civic, business and educational leaders in accomplishing their economic and societal goals

EDUCATE: Young Harris College seeks to be recognized in the Southeast as an institution that, through its liberal arts education, encourages students to be intellectually curious. The College will educate the whole person through a comprehensive program of classroom, residential and extra-curricular experiences. Faculty and staff will be active lifelong learners, and the College will support their intellectual and professional development. The College will examine its processes and learn not only from itself, but also remain involved with the academy at-large. The College will embrace emerging technology and pedagogical innovations.

INSPIRE: Young Harris College will be inclusive in character, providing opportunities for the development of faith through study, worship and service. The College will take advantage of its mountain setting, incorporating the heritage and natural environment in both academics and student programming. The College will provide diverse educational, recreational, social and cultural experiences for its students and the surrounding community.

EMPOWER: Young Harris College will prepare its students to exercise mature and independent moral judgment in an ever-changing and diverse world. The College will challenge students to find and develop their particular talents, skills and abilities. The College will provide opportunities for students to interact with others from diverse backgrounds, thus preparing them for responsible citizenship. The Young Harris College experience will exemplify environmental awareness, stewardship and service to the community.